Gold PTT is a new medical acne treatment that specifically reduces sebaceous gland activity. The treatment combines gold nanoparticles and a medical Nd:YAG laser, and is FDA-approved for inflammatory and cystic acne.
What is Gold PTT?
Gold PTT (Gold Photothermal Therapy) is a medical treatment for acne, clogged pores, and excess sebum. It combines two technologies: gold nanoparticles that are applied to the skin and thoroughly massaged into the pores, and a medical Nd:YAG laser from Fotona Sp Dynamis that activates the gold particles and converts light into heat.
The heat temporarily reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands—that is, the glands that produce sebum and are the main cause of acne. The gold nanoparticles are flushed out of the body within a short time and do not remain in the skin.
The treatment is FDA-approved for acne (2018) and has been validated by multiple clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals such as *Lasers in Surgery and Medicine* and *Dermatologic Therapy*.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
Gold PTT is designed for those who have:
- Inflammatory acne — red, swollen pimples
- Cystic acne — deep, painful bumps under the skin
- Clogged pores and visible pores
- Excess sebum and oily skin
This treatment is particularly suitable for those who have tried standard acne treatments without the desired results—such as over-the-counter products, antibiotics, or topical creams. It may also be an option for those who do not wish to use isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane) or who experience side effects from medical acne treatments.
This treatment is not suitable for you if:
- Is allergic to metal or gold
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have been in the sun or used self-tanning products in the last 2 weeks
- Is taking photosensitive medications (isotretinoin, certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines)
During the consultation, we will assess whether Gold PTT is right for your skin, or if another treatment would be more suitable.
Here's how a Gold PTT treatment works
Step 1: Preparation (5 min)
We thoroughly cleanse the skin and cover the eyes. All makeup and cream are removed to ensure proper penetration of the gold nanoparticles.
Step 2: Application and massage (10 min)
We apply the gold nanoparticles as a golden liquid to the skin and massage them thoroughly into the pores so that the particles reach the sebaceous glands. You may feel a mild warmth during the application.
Step 3: Laser treatment (10–15 min)
Once the nanoparticles are embedded in the pores, we treat the skin with a medical-grade Nd:YAG laser from Fotona Sp Dynamis. The laser activates the gold particles, which convert into selective heat within the sebaceous gland—without damaging the surrounding skin.
Treatment process
Total treatment time per session: approx. 30 minutes. We recommend a course of 3–5 treatments, spaced 2–3 weeks apart.
What can you expect after treatment?
Shortly after
Your skin may feel warm and appear slightly red for 1–2 hours. You can resume your normal activities the same day. We recommend avoiding makeup on the first evening.
The first few days after
Some patients may experience slight dryness or mild flaking for 2–3 days. Use mild, moisturizing products and avoid acids (AHAs, BHAs, retinol) for one week.
First weeks
The effects build up gradually with each treatment. Many people see a clear improvement after 2–3 treatments. Clinical data show an average 53% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions after 2 months, and 61% after 3 months.
Long-term effect
The reduction in sebaceous gland activity typically lasts 6–8 months per course of treatment. Many patients opt for maintenance treatment 1–2 times a year to sustain the effect.
Results vary from person to person and depend on skin type, severity, and follow-up care.
Preparation for treatment
To ensure safe and optimal results, follow these guidelines:
Before each treatment
- No sun, tanning beds, or self-tanning products for the past 2 weeks prior to treatment
- Take a break from strong skincare products (retinol, acids) 4–7 days before treatment
- Please arrive without makeup, or expect us to thoroughly cleanse your skin
- Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking—especially those that increase sensitivity to sunlight (isotretinoin, antibiotics)
After each treatment
- Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment — use SPF 50+ consistently
- No tanning beds or self-tanning products for 2 weeks after
- Gentle skincare for one week (no acids, retinol, or exfoliants)
Who is not eligible for treatment?
We do not treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Other contraindications:
- Allergy to metal or gold
- Active sunburn or tanning from a tanning bed or self-tanning products in the past 2 weeks
- Use of photosensitive medications (isotretinoin, certain antibiotics)
- Skin infection in the treatment area
Possible side effects
- Mild redness and warmth of the skin during the first few hours
- Mild dryness or flaking during the first few days
- In rare cases: temporary changes in skin pigmentation, particularly due to lack of sun protection
All cosmetic medical procedures can cause unwanted complications. A physician is always available at TBL Medical.
Research and Documentation
Gold Photothermal Therapy is FDA-approved for acne (2018). The treatment has been documented in several independent clinical studies:
- Sebacia study (Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2016): Prospective randomized controlled trials showed a 53% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions after 2 months and a 61% reduction after 3 months.
- Harvard Medical School study: 23 volunteers experienced more than twice the reduction in skin inflammation (34%) compared to a salicylic acid wash (16%).
- Study published in Dermatologic Therapy (2021): confirmed efficacy in treating inflammatory acne in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III–IV — important for safe use on all skin types.
For more detailed information about the research basis, please contact the clinic.
Ready to try Gold PTT?
Acne can be difficult to treat with over-the-counter products. Gold PTT is a medical treatment designed for those who have struggled with inflammatory or cystic acne for some time. During a consultation, we’ll examine your skin, assess whether the treatment is right for you, and create a plan tailored to your specific situation.
Book a consultation or call us at 464 26 421.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
-
1. Is Gold PTT painful?
No, the treatment is usually perceived as warm and comfortable. Many people describe it as a mild warming sensation. You may feel slight discomfort in particularly inflamed areas, but most patients manage just fine without anesthesia.
-
2. How many treatments will I need?
We recommend a course of 3–5 treatments, spaced 2–3 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the severity of the condition and your skin type. During your consultation, we’ll create a personalized plan for you.
-
3. How long does the effect last?
Clinical data show that the reduction in sebaceous gland activity lasts 6–8 months per treatment course. We recommend maintenance treatment 1–2 times a year to sustain the effect over time.
-
4. What is the difference between Gold PTT and standard laser treatment for acne?
Conventional laser treatment works from the outside in—it heats the skin generally. Gold PTT is more precise: the gold nanoparticles are first placed directly into the sebaceous gland, and the laser selectively activates them there. The result is a more targeted effect and less impact on the surrounding skin
-
5. Is it safe to have gold implanted under the skin?
Yes. The gold nanoparticles remain in the sebaceous glands only for a short time and are naturally flushed out of the body. Clinical studies show no retention in the skin one month after treatment, and negligible concentrations in other organs.
-
6. Can I use regular acne medication at the same time?
We will discuss this during the consultation. Some medications (particularly isotretinoin) are contraindicated. Others can be used as a supplement, but ideally with a break before and after each treatment.
-
7. Is this suitable for people with darker skin?
Yes. The Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser used in the procedure is safe for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I–VI). We adjust the energy level based on your skin type.
-
8. How long do I need to stay out of the sun?
2 weeks before and 2 weeks after each treatment. This is critical for both safety and results. We recommend using SPF 50+ daily throughout the entire treatment period.
